BILLY Wilson wasn’t sure how 2026 was going to pan out.

Signing a one-year contract extension after breaking through for four games last season, Wilson was entering his third year in the AFL with a taste of the big time, but desperate for the chance of more.

As he looked to prove himself and stake his claim in a vastly changed Carlton line-up, a foot injury on the eve of the season halted his plans. Ruled out for the early AFL games, Wilson returned in time for the first game of the VFL season and got to work.

Building up his game time, it was hard to ignore Wilson’s form once he was running out full games. A 41-disposal performance against Tasmania was as eye-catching as they come.

Fast forward to July, Wilson has now played 10 consecutive games at AFL level, and has recently re-committed to the Blues for another two years, taking his contract to the end of 2028.

“If you had have told me that this would be how the year would pan out at the start of the season, I would’ve been very surprised,” Wilson told Carlton Media this week.

“I always had belief that it could happen, but to really think that this is how the year would’ve gone, I wouldn’t have expected that. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and happy with the improvement so far, but I know I’ve got a long way to go.

“This year has been the most enjoyable year, of course - but it’s been a great few years so far. For the Club to have belief in me after growing this year, it’s a great feeling: I know there’s a lot of work to do, but growing with guys like Jagga and ‘Deany’ who are going to be around for a long time… it’s great to have the feeling of the Club wanting me.”

After a tough initiation in his return game against Brisbane back in Round 9, Wilson has averaged over 20 disposals in the nine games since, relishing the chance to be part of the Blues’ defensive setup.

That has also coincided with a big run of games for the Blues, including a run of five MCG games against Geelong (61,081 in attendance), Essendon (76,745), Richmond (54,923), Hawthorn (70,314) and Collingwood (83,885).

For Wilson, he’s had the chance to lean on an experienced teammate who plays a very similar role and just happens to be stationed immediately next to him in the locker room.

“There’s a lot to get better at, and a lot of teammates that have helped. Guys like Ollie Florent - playing alongside him in a similar role, he’s been massive during my time in the team. He’s my locker buddy as well and he’s been great for me on game day, with things like positioning and reviewing our games.

“It’s what you dream of, to play in front of big crowds against Collingwood and Essendon. ‘Frase’ speaks a lot about being grateful of being part of such a big club, and you look back and think how grateful you are to play in front of such big games and big crowds. That’s what I’m most looking forward to for the next few years.

“I grew up an Essendon fan - so I grew up not liking Collingwood, and I definitely don’t like Essendon now! I can’t wait to play both of those teams and play in front of those crowds again.”

Away from the cut and thrust of the footy club, the laidback Wilson has got quite the support network, with the Wilson family - led by dad Aaron - constantly around the football club.

“He loves it. No matter what level I’m playing, Dad will always be there, and so will Mum and my sisters. Since I’ve been at the Club, they’ve embraced every opportunity I’ve had: they’re over the moon, and hopefully I can keep it that way and keep smiles on their faces.”

Then, there’s the household.

Previously rooming with four other teammates (Ashton Moir, Harry Charleson and the Camporeale brothers), a shift in housing arrangements now sees Wilson living with Talor Byrne, Harry Dean and Flynn Young.

It’s a lot.

Billy and his housemates

Harry Dean: "He definitely gets some bad zoomies at night, and I can’t stand it. No, he’s a very funny bloke and a great fella… A bit goofy, but great - and it helps that he’s good at football."

Talor Byrne: "I definitely knew he was a quiet kid before moving in… but then you live with him, and you get to realise he’s a pest. He’s like a mosquito on the wall. He’s playing good footy and he loves to chirp, he’s definitely coming out of his shell. He’s killing it at the moment - he’s good to live with and good to play with."

Flynn Young: "Flynn is the father figure of the house, no surprises. He’s having a great year: it helps that we’re all playing good footy together and get to have a good laugh at home."

Billy Wilson: "I’m a floater. I’m there for a laugh, and then I’m there to lock myself away - I need my own space."